AWLN Consortium Launch on Women in Governance, Peace and Security: Germany Reaffirms Commitment for Enduring Partnership.
By Raymond Enoch.
Germany has reaffirmed it commitment to gender equality and inclusive leadership in Nigeria, strengthening its long-standing partnership with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) during the official launch of its National Consortium on Women in Governance, Peace & Security.
Representing the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Lorena Mohr described the partnership as “not just diplomatic—but transformational.” She emphasized that Germany has stood behind AWLN since 2017 and will continue to support efforts that empower women to lead in governance and peacebuilding spaces.
“Germany remains committed to supporting inclusive governance and sustainable peace through the empowerment of women,” Mohr said.
This sentiment was echoed by Professor Oluwafunmilayo J. Para-Mallam, National Chairperson of AWLN Nigeria, who passionately called for systemic change, declaring that women must be fully included in decision-making at all levels of governance.
“Women are the backbone of every thriving society,” she said. “If we are serious about peace and progress in Nigeria, women must not only be at the table—they must help shape it.”
The high-level launch event, held in Abuja, brought together advocates, development partners, and key decision-makers, signaling a new phase of action for gender-responsive governance and peace efforts.
Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised AWLN’s consistent leadership in advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) and used the platform to call for accelerated support for the #SpecialSeatsBill—a legislative push to guarantee reserved seats for women in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
“The time to act is now. Women must move from the sidelines of influence to the center of decision-making,” Eyong emphasized.
Funded by the Government of Germany and supported by UN Women Nigeria, the AWLN National Consortium aims to institutionalize women’s participation in leadership and peace processes, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for Nigeria.
With a renewed sense of urgency and strengthened international backing, the message from the launch was clear: women must lead, and the world is watching.
